Former TSA agent is giving back to airport workers and raising money for free gas during the government shutdown

A former TSA agent is giving back to his old colleagues and organizing a fundraiser to help them with a vital bill.

In the midst of the longest government shutdown in United States history, Caleb Harmon-Marshall empathized with what today’s airport workers are experiencing. Most have not received a full paycheck since the shutdown began Oct. 1.

Harmon-Marshall decided to step in to help alleviate one bill for these essential workers, and encouraged the local Atlanta community to join the cause as well. In partnership with Caliber Car Wash, Harmon-Marshall hosted a free car wash and gas card giveaway at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta on November 5.

TSA agents not only got a squeaky clean ride, but also money to help fill the tank while their paychecks remain paused. While it won’t solve all the problems, Harmon-Marshall hopes the measure will make TSA officers feel supported during these unprecedented times.

“They don’t feel seen… They don’t feel heard,” organizer Caleb Harmon-Marshall, the founder of the travel newsletter Gate Access, told WANF. “They feel forgotten because they are experiencing this.”

The donation page, launched by Harmon-Marshall’s own travel newsletter, Gate Access, has raised nearly half of its $10,000 goal. According to the description, the money will go toward $50 gas cards for all TSA agents they reach, with plans to expand this charitable gesture to other airports outside of Atlanta. Harmon-Marshall chose to help with transportation after hearing how to do it severely affected people’s ability to go to work.

“The number one pain point I hear nationally is transportation costs,” he told the newspaper WashingtonPost.

In the weeks since the government shutdown, the lack of wages has forced many airport workers to take calls. Although they actually had to report for duty, many were unable to do so because there was insufficient money to buy gas. Staff shortages among air traffic controllers, also affected by the loss of their salaries, have even led to a reduction in the number of flights across the country.

Other airport employees shared that the current conditions have rightfully made them uncomfortable.

“It’s not a good feeling,” said Philip Simmons WANF. “Sometimes you wonder, OK, if you’re going to influence someone, why are they influencing us?”

As they continue to show up despite the paused compensation, Harmon-Marshall is inspiring others to show their appreciation for all airport workers during this time.

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